PIIT28 (Blogilates) vs. BBG (Kayla Itsines)

March 6, 2016

Note: If you want to skip the comparison, scroll to the end of this post to see my results/review (with progress photos!) And check HERE for a new post where I talk about my favorite FREE workout videos on YouTube (use these videos as a trial if you’re not sure about PIIT28 or BBG).

Cassey Ho (Blogilates) and Kayla Itsines are two of the biggest social-media fitness icons, and they’re about to go head to head in selling workout plans! Cassey released PIIT28 at the beginning of March 2016, and there are striking similarities to Kayla’s BBGs. I’ve had the BBG for a while…went through about 8 weeks of that before I took a break and switched to some other workouts. When I saw PIIT28, I really wanted to try it and see how it compared to BBG. The two workout plans are definitely similar on the surface, but I personally enjoy PIIT28 a lot more (even though I’m only on like the 3rd day of workouts, haha). But here is my take on each of the two guides:

I feel like this was the first workout guide that really blew up on social media. All you have to do is search #bbg on Instagram. SO many people swear by this workout guide, and so of course I had to give it a try myself. But after 8 weeks (the whole guide is 12 weeks), I have to say that I got really sick of doing the workouts. I liked how the workouts gradually built up over the weeks, and they were definitely challenging, but there’s really no personal aspect to this guide. You get a huge pdf file when you make your purchase, and your workouts consist of just you and the virtual guide. And because I’ve gotten so used to following online YouTube videos (from Blogilates, for example), this was a HUGE turnoff. Maybe I’m biased in this sense, but hey, you are paying $52 for this guide.

It seems like all of Kayla’s products have had a monetary goal…you’ll see what I mean when I talk about Blogilates later. Kayla recently released a Sweat with Kayla app, which is basically an extension of the BBG guides. Unfortunately, the app ain’t free either. There is a monthly membership fee, and the only big thing you gain, I think, is the ability to customize your workouts. Still no video guide, though! And I’m definitely not paying more after spending so much on the guide already.

Pros:

12 weeks of workouts (more than 28 days in PIIT)

28 min. workouts (time efficient but super intense)

Workouts build up gradually by difficulty

HUGE community of BBG users (search #bbg on Instagram. Also FYI the picture above is not of me…)

I’ve been following Blogilates on YouTube for a while. Cassey has put out free workout videos for years, and I’ve always enjoyed them. She has SO much energy, and she never fails to amaze me with her strength. She may not look as toned as Kayla, but she is every bit as strong, and I love how she puts in the extra effort to do the workout with you! I’ve used her free workout guides for a while, so when she released PIIT28, it was really like the first big thing that she’s monetized, and I really wanted to support her (and I was also curious to see how it compared to BBG). PIIT stands for Pilates Intense Interval Training, and the 28 stands for the 28 min. length of each workout.

The price point of $40 still isn’t cheap, and it’s only for 28 days compared to BBG’s 12 weeks, but I really think you get a much better experience out of it. I bought the guide only because it came with follow-along workout videos. The pdf of the 28 day workouts is very similar to BBG. There are outlines of each workout and diagrams of how the poses should look. But the difference is that with PIIT28, you also get access to an amazing online portal of resources–workout videos, gifs (if you just want a refresher of a certain move), and a community. There may not be as big of a cult following as there is for BBG, but I have no doubt that in time, this will be the next big workout guide that everyone’s talking about.

Pros:

28 min. workouts (time efficient but super intense)

Follow-along videos!!

Cheaper than BBG, and despite the shorter time frame, MUCH better experience overall

Comes with a warm-up, cool-down, and stretching guide

No equipment needed

Cons:

Shorter time frame

Still kinda pricey…not gonna lie

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I know I haven’t been using the PIIT28 guide for very long, and my opinions could very well change as the 28 days progress. But I will keep you guys updated! And maybe do a separate progress post or review at the end of the 28 days. But just from first impressions alone, I really am A LOT more excited about PIIT28 than I was about BBG. The videos make a huge difference, and I love how I don’t have to keep getting more and more equipment.

Hope you guys found the review helpful, and let me know if you have any questions!

—————–

Update: 03/16/2016

I’ve gotten several questions over the past couple of weeks regarding results of using this program. I’ve decided to start the 28 days over and record my progress from start to finish (had finals this week so I skipped a few days anyway…best to start over I think. And now that I’ve posted this update it’ll hold me accountable :). I’ll be posting weekly updates here starting next week! Or if not on this post, I’ll be sure to link the update post somewhere here.

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Comments

This is really helpful! i’ve been following Cassey Ho on Youtube quite a well too. And I absolutely appreciate her energy and attitude. I’ve never tried a PIIT28 guide, perhaps i should give it a try. 🙂 thanks for sharing.

No problem, glad you found it helpful! 🙂 The price of the PIIT28 guide is a turnoff for a lot of people, I think. If anything, you could also try one of her workout videos that you have to repeat 4x. That’s basically the format of PIIT28.

I love Blogilates! When I feel like attempting to be fit I always turn to her videos because her energy gives me energy. I actually hadn’t heard much about BBG until seeing this post but from what you’re saying the PIIT28 seems more worth the money. (though they’re both pricey so…yea) The videos and gifs definitely would help when trying to do a workout instead of trying to follow along with pictures or descriptions.

I’ve also been doing Blogilates videos for a few years and am currently doing BBG for the third time (I have never finished it haha). I definitely agree with BBG being repetitive and the exercises are not very exciting. It is very challenging though. Are the blogilates videos that come with PIIT totally new? Is it all in one video that you play for 28 min? Also, do you feel like it is very challenging? I used to love her HIIT videos but I feel like I haven’t loved a lot of her newer ones. Trying to decide whether it’s worth it to buy.

Yessss haha I never made it past week 9 for BBG. Didn’t like the buildup of equipment, either. The videos that come with PIIT are custom made for the program. There are 11 videos total that you cycle through over 28 days. I think they are very challenging! I’m usually almost dead by the end of the 3rd round. It’s kind of annoying how you have to repeat the video 4x..in my opinion, it makes the workout seem a lot longer. If you don’t mind that, though, I think this is definitely a better alternative to BBG.

Hmmm…I honestly don’t know much about the meal plans so I can’t speak for those. But I personally think that the meal plans are way too pricey and you’re better off finding healthy/vegan recipes online that you can alternate between. It gives you much more flexibility and saves you a lot of money!

Thanks for this post! I’ve been following Cassey for a couple of years now and was pretty interested in PIIT28 when it came out but was worried I wouldn’t like it or see different results than I do following her free videos. I’m curious, now that you’re a couple weeks in to the program, have you noticed a difference in your body? I see people posting photos on Instagram but most of them are also following the meal plan (which I’m not planning on doing) so I wanted to hear from someone JUST doing the workouts! Thanks so much!

No problem! I actually had that same concern…but I never really followed her free workout calendars very diligently. For me, having to pay for a workout plan definitely motivates me to see it through–to get my money’s worth, haha. I will post updates here starting next week! I never took a before picture so it’s hard to judge the results. This past week I had finals and skipped a few days…so I decided to start fresh when I was done. So I’ll document the 28 days from the start and post updates on this post once a week 🙂 Hope that will help!

Although I can tell you from the first four workouts that they are definitely really challenging and target all areas of your body. There’s a cardio aspect to all the workouts but the focus of each one changes from arms, to abs, to legs in a good, alternating schedule.

You’re welcome! I’ve tried a couple of the fitness blender workouts as well–they’re definitely good too. It’s been a while, but I remember them being slightly lacking in energy, and after switching to Cassey’s videos, it was hard to go back. I think the PIIT28 workouts are quite a bit more challenging. You also really have to push through and force yourself to repeat that workout video 4x through every time. That’s personally the hardest part for me…and a benefit of fitness blender workouts. Once you get through their workout video, you’re done! No need to hit replay 🙂 And mentally, I think that makes a big difference! So it really depends on your personal preference. If you can follow through Blogilates’ existing HIIT routines where you have to repeat each video 4x through and can do that on a daily basis, I think PIIT28 may be a good fit for you.

Hi Ashley,
Thank you for this. i was just wondering, my parents say that it is very expensive and do not agree with me in buying it! Are the workouts similar to the HIIT videos that she posts? I want to lose wait without spending $40. Please help!!!

The workouts are similar to the HIIT workouts that she posts–maybe slightly more focused in terms of muscles that are being targeted. I would try out her existing HIIT workouts (where you have to repeat 4x through–“Train Insane HIIT Workout” is a good one) and see if you can consistently do that every day for a whole week. The hardest part of any workout program is staying motivated, and different people prefer different types of workouts. If you really enjoy the HIIT workouts and can consistently do the 4x repeats every day, then I think this guide is definitely worth it.

I love Blogilates, I’ve been following her videos and calendars on and off for more than 2 years now, and I think she is so positive and motivating!

I also tried the BBG and just like you, stopped after 8 weeks, mostly because I got demotivated by the repetitiveness and increasing difficulty. I got amazing results though during these 2 months (-10kg) , but I don’t feel capable to restart.

I can definitely relate to the lack of motivation to restart BBG. A part of me thinks that the same thing will happen after I finish the 28 days of PIIT. But I think that just means the workouts are the right level of challenge/difficulty 🙂 I have a short attention span when it comes to workouts, though, so I like to switch things up every month or so.

Hi Ashley! I was just wondering if the workouts are repetitive every week like how the BBG is styled , or do the moves change every week? Also are the moves at all alike to her PIIT videos or are they completely different? I am contemplating about whether or not I want to buy this guide especially since it’s on the pricey side. Thank You! 🙂

Hi Marissa! So the workouts are kind of repetitive in that there are a few moves that repeat (jumping lunges, squats, etc.) But I find that the way they are ordered makes a big difference. You do get 11 unique workout videos, so week 1 and week 3 are the same schedule, and week 2 and week 4 are the same. In that aspect, it is a lot like BBG. I just find the workout videos to be a HUGE help, and she will continue to upload new videos (she’s already posted 2 new ones for days 28-56 to work into the existing schedule). But I do agree that it is on the pricey side, but for me, the priciness makes me 10x more motivated to stick through all the workouts and complete the guide to get my money’s worth, haha.

Thanks for posting this review on the PIIT and (believe it or not as i’ve never heard of it) BBG!
Do you think someone who is at a beginner level at pilates can take on the workouts associated with Cassey’s PIIT program? Hope to hear from you soon!

No problem! I feel like the PIIT program can really be adjusted to work for people of all different fitness backgrounds. She offers beginner modifications for most of the moves, and as long as you push yourself to the limit during each workout, your body will get stronger very quickly and you’ll be able to do the moves without modification in no time. My first week, I could barely do 5 burpees in a row…and now at the end of week 3 I can go the whole 45 seconds without going down on my knees! So I’m confident you’ll be fine 🙂 It’s really all a mental game.

Thanks for posting this!
A few months ago, I actually purchased BBG but I think like you, I got quite bored too and like you say, even though there’s 12 weeks in total, a lot of the moves are repeated or extended throughout the weeks. I guess I did buy into the hype but I do want to continue using the guide. The one thing I’d definitely say about BBG is that it’s definitely not for a beginner whereas with Blogilates, I feel that you can start from anywhere. I had followed her calendars before and had managed most of the time to complete her workouts – maybe it’s her positive energy that gives me faith?!

With regards to PIIT28, is it solely one workout repeated 4x as opposed to BBG’s ABAB circuits ?

Yeah I felt exactly the same way! I do think PIIT is a lot more beginner friendly, and the exercises are easier to modify depending on your personal fitness level. Cassey’s positive energy definitely makes a big difference too 🙂

With PIIT28, you follow one workout video each day. There are 11 workout videos total that you rotate through over the course of 28 days. But for each day, you only use that one workout video and repeat it 4 times. There are 7 exercises in each video. So yeah it’s not really like BBG’s ABAB circuits, it’s just 4x the one 7-exercise workout. Hope that helps!

Thanks, Sarah! So I never followed the monthly workout calendar that closely. I did a couple of days here and there. The biggest difference I noticed was the time commitment. While the monthly calendar workouts varied in time from day to day (and were quite long to be honest), the PIIT workouts are a set 28 minutes a day, every day. No surprises. So I liked that consistency. You’re not expected to do both at once, since PIIT works by targeting a certain muscle group every day (which may or may not clash with the monthly calendar’s workouts). But I guess if you have time, it can’t hurt? But I found the PIIT workouts to be quite a bit more challenging and so after my 28 minutes a day, I was exhausted! And sure PIIT might cost a bit, but think of that as extra motivation to get your workout in every day! 🙂

Is it 4 sets of the exercises? I have been doing Alexa Jean Brown’s Healthy Body Guide and it’s 4 rounds of each group of exercises (6 exercises) and that takes some effort for me to continue through. Can you shed some light on PIIT28 and a day in the life of it? Thanks!

It’s 4 rounds of a set of 7 exercises. So each day you repeat one video (containing one set of 7 exercises) 4 times. The videos change day to day. In 28 days, you go through 11 videos (some days repeat the same videos), so 11 different sets of exercises. Different days target different muscle groups and I think it’s pretty well-balanced. It does get a little bit boring having to repeat each set 4 times a day so having the video definitely helps. At least you feel like you’re not alone 🙂 First 3 days are the hardest, but once you get used to it, the 4 rounds go by faster than you’d think.

I honestly haven’t heard much about the app. So because I personally haven’t used it, I can’t say I’d recommend it. If it comes at no extra charge, then I see no harm in trying it out. But I think the videos will do just fine 🙂

It’s just a one-time fee. You get access to the whole library of workouts through the online portal that will get you through the 28 days. And this access is for life! So even after the 28 days, if you decide to repeat the workouts, you’ll always have the videos and PDF. She did come out with PIIT28 2.0 which is a whole different set of workouts that you will need to buy separately (also $40 I believe). Hope that helps!

Thanks for the review! I love doing piit, but am also looking into the bbg just for some more material. i wanted to mention that if you are a student, teacher, first responder, government employee, or military personnel you can get a 20% discount from bbg using id.me – something to consider!

Thank you for the review! It was really helpful for me. I also did the BBG PROGRAME BUT I ONLY LASTED till week 9. Which workout would you say gets you better results? Because BBG consists a lot of squats but for PIit28 does it have similar workout moves? Thank you 🙂

Glad to hear, Jessica! Girl, 9 weeks is amazing!! Mmm it’s hard to say. I think results depend on both the quality of the workouts as well as…what’s the word..accessibility? Motivational aspect? Basically the size of the wall that stands between you and your workout every day. I think that the BBG workouts are harder (and they require more equipment), but I never find myself looking forward to the workouts. It’s very repetitive, there’s no video to follow along, and a 12 week program is hella long. PIIT28 uses similar exercises and workout structure, but they’re all bodyweight and you can adjust the exercises depending on your ability. Makes them more accessible, in my opinion. The videos also make a huge difference. The workouts are not as lonely 🙂 That being said, I think that if I had the mental capacity to stick through 12 weeks of BBG workouts, I probably would have achieved better results. But given that it is a balance between workout quality and mindset, PIIT28 was a better program for me personally. I looked forward to the workouts more and they didn’t feel as boring/long.

Hey! I’ve got a few questions regarding PIIT before I jump the gun and invest.

1. The videos: are they a full 28 minutes or do they only play one round like on her free Youtube versions?
2. the completion tank: do you need to do the full 28 days in a row or is it once you complete all 28 days? meaning, can you take a day off, get back at it and finish the 28 days in 30, but still get the tank?
3: I know there is PIIT 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Do you subscribe to PIIT or do you buy the versions for 40 bucks each?

2. I’m pretty sure the completion tank is just based on completing the 28 days. But it’s not the workouts (well, it’s assumed that you’re also doing the workouts)…she has a separate challenge called the #PIITSTAGRAM Challenge. So each day (you’ll see it in the PDF), she tells you to post something different on Instagram. A quote, a sweaty selfie, etc. And those posts serve as your proof, if you will. Once you complete all 28 days of the photo challenge, you get your tank!

3. No, there’s no subscription. Each version is purchased separately. Although if you buy all three at once, there is a discount. I think you can get all three for $79. So I guess it’s like buy 2 get 1 free 🙂

Hello , thanks for the review. Ive been doing cassey’s beginner calendar for a while now, and I definitely do feel much happier mentally! I agree with you on her energy and personality… personally I’ve never followed through any workout this long!

Was checking for reviews on her Piit28 program before I take the plunge. Glad I found yours.

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Hi, my name is Ashley. Welcome to Reasyume--a food, travel, and lifestyle blog dedicated to capturing the memorable sights and experiences of everyday life. So take a step inside. Welcome to my daydream.

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